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Jennifer Murray Mesquita Obituary
After a ten year battle with cancer, Jennifer S. Murray Mesquita, died on July 29, 2016 in Glendale, AZ at the age of 44. She leaves behind her devoted husband Frank Mesquita, her mother Sonja S. Phillips, her step daughter Haley Lanier, and her brother Philip Murray. Jennifer was born on March 8, 1972 in Salinas, CA, to William L. Murray and Sonja S. Phillips. She spent her first four years in California before moving with her parents and brother to Glendale in 1976. She was an exuberant child expressing joy in helping with household tasks, and had a deep affinity for any game she could share with her family. As she matured she fostered a lifelong and enduring fondness for literature. She enjoyed visiting the coastal towns and cities of California, and her trip to Paris, France was a cherished lifetime achievement. Jennifer's academic accomplishments were extensive, and included: a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Arizona State University, a Masters in Library Science from the University of Arizona, and a membership in the American Association of Law Libraries. Jennifer completed her course of studies at both institutions with honors. Spanning eighteen years, Jennifer's career in law included positions with: U of A, ASU, USC, Greenberg and Traurig, Arizona Supreme Court, and Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County. Resolute throughout her struggle with cancer, Jennifer remained in her position at Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County until just one month prior to her passing. As well as her immediate family, Jennifer leaves behind extended family, primarily in Texas, Arizona, and California, that includes the Brewer, Mesquita, and Phillips families. The family extends thanks to the Mayo Clinic and the Virginia Piper Cancer Center. Support from her friend Tahlya Visintainer has been invaluable. Jennifer requested that she be cremated and that her ashes be left in the care of her mother. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be sent to Hospice of the Valley.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Murray Mesquita
Sonja Sue Phillips
August 2, 2025
Dear, Darling Daughter,
Still missing you, and the memory of your loving kindness to me helps me to get through each day. I made a sign for the pomegranate tree I planted in my back yard. You loved pomegranate trees. The tree's named The Jenn Tree.
Love you without measure.
Momm
Sheila Tickle
December 4, 2023
I worked with Jennifer at the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County. Her remarkable intelligence, giving nature and quick-witted humor are just a few of her qualities I will always treasure. She always seemed to understand the need to "be kind" because everyone is struggling with something. I just wanted her family to know how much of an impact she made on so many of us who had the good fortune to work alongside of her.
Sonja Sue Phllips
July 29, 2021
Dear Daughter,
This is the five year anniversary of your death. I am in Eureka CA with family, and that will make the passing of the day easier. I will be seeing the ocean and places you loved, and will remember you with a grateful heart. I am filled with love for the forty four years I was graced with you and your loveliness.
Your loving Mom
Sonja Phillips
August 1, 2020
My dear daughter, Four years since, and missing you is not any easier. Loove, Momm
Sonja Phillips
August 4, 2019
My Dear, darling daughter, Jenn.
It has been three years now, and you are with me every day. I was honored to watch your ambition, and to share in your many accomplishments. We had you for forty four precious years, and I am so grateful for the time we were gifted with your presence. Loove, Momm
Michele Villagran
September 18, 2017
Jenn, I thought of you today and wanted to get in touch with you. I was shocked and saddened to find this online. I cannot believe it has been a year and I wasn't aware. I'm sending thoughts and prayers to your family. You were such a bright star, a leader in our profession. Always smiling. May you rest in peace.
Sonja Phillips
July 29, 2017
Jenn, A year has past. You are still with me. Thank you for being the best daughter a mother ever had.
Loove, Momm
December 3, 2016
I worked with Jenn while at Greenberg Traurig. I just learned of her passing and was shocked and saddened, and had to share a few memories. With her JD, Jenn was an inspiration to me of the career trajectories for a librarian. From afar, I had been following her professional milestones ever since we met. Jenn exemplified what a professional should be, which was to give not just inside, but outside the job. She was well respected in the library field, in professional associations and conferences.
One of many things I loved about Jenn, was her skill as a writer -- and especially her flair for comedic timing. I remember being happy to receive anything in writing from her - even an email - because it was always hilarious yet kind. Even her articles in professional journals, were so wonderfully creative and unique from all other MLIS writers.
Most of all, Jenn's depth and humility have never been lost on me. She once told me something that has stuck with me: "Don't let the turkeys get you down." I still refer to it often :-) I only wish she knew how much her words of encouragement had meant to me, even after all these years. The lesson here is to let people know how much they mean to you, when you have the chance. I am sure she is with the angels - Jenn was a beautiful person inside and out.
November 1, 2016
Jon,
Thank you for reaching out. I am still in states of disbelief, sorrow, and much anger. Per Jenn's request, there were no services, and the obituary (written by Phil) was the only public notice. Jenn did everything with so much humility. The picture with the dolphin is precious.
If you have pictures you think I would enjoy, I am at sosu at q dot com. There is no hurry, please.
Cancer is vile!
Jennifer in healthy happy times Swimming with the Dolphins; certainly now she's with the Angels. Loved you Jenn! My heart breaks for your Family.
Jon Evans
November 1, 2016
September 21, 2016
This is Jenn's mom. My humbled gratitude is extended to those of you who stopped by to share your thoughts and feelings about my treasured daughter.
Thank you,
Sonja Phillips
Julie Iman-Hackney
September 13, 2016
This candle is lit in memory of a wonderful woman . I had the pleasure of growing up with her for a little while and spending time and great memories of both of our families. I am so saddened to hear she passed at such an early age. Heaven has received another beautiful and sweet Angel who will be terribly missed. May you RIP Jenn. My condolences go out to her family.
August 17, 2016
A very professional librarian, eager to help, always learning and ready to teach...
Shaun Esposito
August 15, 2016
I first knew Jennifer when she worked with me at the University of Arizona Law Library while she was obtaining here Master of Library Science degree. I kept up with here amazing career over the years and always enjoyed seeing her at our annual law librarians meeting. She was a wonderful person who made positive contributions in all of her activities. My sympathies to all her family. We will always remember her fondly at the UA Law Library.
Charlotte Henderson
August 10, 2016
Jennifer was a leading energy in the law library community for many years. She was always willing to go the extra mile with a smile, and inspired many along the way. Thank you, Jennifer, for being you.
Charlotte
August 7, 2016
When I think of Jennifer four words come to mind to describe her Beautiful, intelligent , funny and brave. I will miss her sweet smile she has made a positive impression in my life. Fly with the Angels Jennifer you earned your wings. Love Luana
My beautiful daughter. I miss her, miss her, miss her. Loove, Momm
Sonja Phillips
August 7, 2016
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